Acupuncture & TCM Articles

Acupuncture: Health Benefits In Abundance
Author: Gisela Harris

Acupuncture is an alternative health therapy taught in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The technique dates back at least 2,500 years. The practice of acupuncture involves inserting needles into meridian points on the body. Manipulation of the needles is believed to promote health by balancing the opposite forces of 'yin' and 'yang.' Yin and yang flow along energy paths in the body. This 'chi' energy is sometimes calle Qi. Acupuncture is believed to clear natural blockages of this energy as it flows throughout the body.

How Can Acupuncture Help Me?

The verdict is still out on the results of the scientific study of the beneficial effects of acupuncture. However some western medical practitioners will agree that there are certain conditions that acupuncture is good as a helping therapy. It is particularly useful in treating against nausea and pain and nausea. Acupuncture can help to treat chronic pain, nasea, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, menstrual pain, headaches, arthritis, repetitive strain injuries, asthma and some addictions.

Acupuncture should be used a part of a comprehensive health management program. Check with your doctor to see what negative repercussions could be encountered. As a warning, acupuncture is not recommended for all types of illnesses. Some conditions may actually increase the risk of using acupuncture, for example breast implants, drugs, pacemaker, and pregnancy.

Back in 1972 most people in the USA had never heard of acupuncture or any of the Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. But President Richard Nixon's visit to China to visit Chairman Mao in 1972 changed that. His visit cracked open the door to China for most Americans. For the first time American reporters covered ancient Chinese practices that fascinated our western mindset.

Some doctors refer to acupuncture as quackery based on folk medical practices and mysticism. Believers in acupuncture run the full range of people that buy into the whole flow of energy concept fully to those that just believe that acupuncture is a good therapy for pain management.